How to Fly with a Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're jet-setting to a fun destination or moving to a new city, you may be looking into flying with a cat. Traveling through the skies with your cute companion might seem daunting at first, but with the required information and best practices at your fingertips, you'll both be able to get where you're going with ease.

Gain an understanding of different airline rules for cats as well as how to be prepared when travel day rolls around. And remember to check your specific airline before you fly to ensure that your cat, its carrier, and other travel elements comply with their requirements.

Can cats fly on planes?

Yes, cats can fly on planes, just so long as all airline requirements are met. Different airlines have different guidelines, so before you book tickets, it's important to confirm that your furry little pal can fly with you.

To be able to fly with your cat, you'll likely need to pay anywhere from $95 USD/CAD to $200 USD/CAD one way. Some airlines allow you to simply pay at the time of booking or add the pet carry-on to your booked trip, while others require pet parents to visit the ticket counter at the airport to get their carrier and pet checked and pay the fee.

Airline requirements for traveling with cats

While your furry feline can fly with you, there are airline rules for cats. For the sake of time and space, we aren't able to cover each and every one here, but we do provide general requirements — as well as some specific examples — across airlines to give you an idea of what to expect for your trip.

Age and breed

Cats typically need to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned for U.S. domestic flights (international flight requirements may differ). Some airlines, like Air Canada, limit cats to those who are a minimum 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

There are few breed restrictions, with most airlines noting that any "house cat" can fly either in the cabin or in cargo. The real restriction is that your cat needs to fit comfortably in their carrier, for which every airline has size limitations. Soft-sided carriers, and in some cases hard-sided carriers, can be used in the cabin, while only hard-sided carriers can be used in cargo. Carry-on pet carrier sizes are usually limited to 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches (42.75 cm x 27.94 cm x 27.94 cm). This is because pet carriers for flights must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

That said, there are some cat breed restrictions to be aware of, specifically for those traveling in cargo. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, don't allow brachycephalic cat breeds (flat-faced or snub-nosed kitties) to be checked into the baggage compartment of the plane due to potential breathing difficulties. These breeds must fly in the cabin. This brachycephalic breed requirement typically applies when flying with a dog, too.

Type of seat

Did you know that there are certain areas of the plane that are off-limits to cats in carriers? You may not be able to sit with your cute kitten at your feet in these areas:

• Premium cabin seats
• First- or business-class seats
• Bulkhead seats
• Flat-bed seats
• Exit rows
• Other areas specific to the type of aircraft (for example, Delta doesn't allow carry-on pets in center seats on their B757-200 aircraft)

Before flying with a cat, make sure that your seat is in one of the approved zones or seats for in-cabin cat travel.

Destination

Whether or not your cat can fly with you also depends on where you're headed. For example, many destinations outside of the United States and Canada have their own requirements for what types of animals are allowed to enter. Your best bet is to, first, check with your specific airline, then research pet entrance policies at your final international destination.

There are also location restrictions for flights headed to Hawaii — because it's the only rabies-free state. Alaska Airlines, for instance, has an entire page dedicated to traveling to Hawaii with your pet, where you can find all the details about what documents you may need, inspections, and when pets must be quarantined upon arrival.

Season

You may also need to consider the time of year that you're flying, as some airlines place restrictions on pet travel during the hot and cold seasons — and even for certain destinations. For example, to protect pets from the cold, Air Canada prohibits cats weighing less than 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) in cargo between November 1 and March 31 and anytime the temperature is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees F) or below.

In-cabin or cargo: What’s best for your cat?

Aside from the brachycephalic breed restriction and any other airline limitations (e.g., American Airlines only allows checked pets for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel), you'll likely have the choice of in-cabin cat travel vs. cargo. But unless you're relocating and checking your beloved pet may be necessary, it's not easy to decide whether to keep your cat with you in the cabin or check them into the baggage compartment. Here are the pros and cons of each.

In-cabin travel

• Pro: You'll have them by your side at all times, with peace of mind that they're taken care of.
• Pro: You'll be able to comfort them if they're scared.
• Pro: It may be cheaper to fly with your cat as a carry-on.
• Pro: Connections are easier with a carry-on cat.
• Con: Depending on how much room there is to spare in the carrier, there might not be enough space to place your cat's favorite toy or blanket in the carrier for the flight.
• Con: Everywhere you go, they must go—that means through security, to the bathroom in the terminal, waiting in line to board, and so on.

Cargo travel

• Pro: You won't have to lug their carrier around before you take off.
• Pro: The cargo hold might be less noisy and smelly than the cabin, so some sensitive cats might benefit from being checked.
• Pro: Baggage compartments typically allow larger carriers, so if you have a particularly large house cat, they might fit better down below. Plus, you might be able to add items that your cat loves in the larger carrier.
• Con: There are seasonal and even destination-based restrictions for pet cargo travel.
• Con: If there are delays while sitting on the plane, that's more time your cat is alone.
• Con: You won't be there to comfort them.
• Con: Connections might be more difficult, especially if you have to pick up and then recheck your cat.

Pre-flight prep: Vet visits and travel documents

Even if your cat is the picture of health, it's recommended that they get a vet checkup before flying. Your veterinarian can make sure that they're up to date on all core vaccinations and don't have any underlying conditions that might make travel difficult or unsafe.

If you're checking your cat, scheduling a vet visit is necessary, as most airlines require a health certificate signed by a vet to be able to travel in cargo. For instance, Alaska Airlines mandates that all travelers with pets, cats included, show a health certificate signed within 10 days of the originating travel and 30 days of return travel on the same ticket.

What to pack when flying with a cat

Here's your cat travel checklist for your next flight:

• A cat carrier or kennel that complies with airline requirements
• A collapsible food and water dish
• Water, food, and their favorite treats
• A comforting or entertaining item from home, like a toy or blanket
• Mobile litterbox material for the carrier, such as absorbent bedding or padding
• Collar with name tag
• Leash and harness (in case you need to take them out to go through security)
• Two copies of proof of vaccinations, health certificate, and a paper with your contact info (one copy stays with you, one copy is taped on their carrier or kennel)
• Medications and supplements

How to reduce stress for your cat during travel

Not all cats are highly adaptable to new environments—and even those that are might be a little scared at the airport and on the plane. Give your cat the best chance of success with these tips:

• Before the flight: Get to know the signs of stress in cats so that you'll know if your furry feline needs extra love and attention.
• Before the flight: For highly anxious cats, ask your vet if they'd recommend a light sedative for your little pal. It's worth noting that some airlines don't allow pet sedation for flights, either in-cabin or in cargo, and some vets might not prescribe these types of medications.
• Before the flight: Train your cat to travel in their carrier. Doing this in advance helps them associate their carrier with safety and comfort.
• Day of the flight: If there's room, place a toy or blanket in their carrier or kennel.
• Day of the flight: Your pets are attuned to your energy, so try to remain calm and collected. Give your cat verbal affection throughout the travel day.

Learning how to calm a cat during travel requires some effort ahead of time, such as figuring out what calming methods work best for your unique cat, asking your vet about any medications or natural supplements that may physically calm them, and training them to be in their carrier for extended amounts of time.

Pet insurance and travel emergencies

As you prepare for your trip, you may have wondered about travel insurance for pets. Thankfully, Trupanion cat insurance covers your furry friend when they're on the go, helping them get any treatment they may need due to unexpected sickness or injury. Learn more about pet insurance and travel emergencies.